Communications Minister cool on suggestions portfolio will go to the National Party

Federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield has deflected suggestions his portfolio will be handed to the National Party as part of the cabinet reshuffle expected in coming days.

Nationals Senator Fiona Nash could get bigger slice of communications

The suggestion that the Nationals could take over communications was raised earlier in the week, but speaking on Lateline last night, Senator Fifield said he was comfortable with his current status and the decision of who handled communications was up to the Prime Minister.

With communications becoming a major issue in rural and regional areas as a result of the roll-out of the NBN and the changing face of broadcasting, National leader Barnaby Joyce is believed to be pushing for the party to have a bigger say to keep its constituents happy.

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The Nationals are expected to be given an extra seat in cabinet as a result of the election.

Fifield told Lateline’s David Lipson that suggestions that the National’s Fiona Nash, who is Minister for Regional Communications, would be getting a bigger say were pure speculation.

“I’m very relaxed in the gig that I have. I’m enjoying it,” Fifield said.

“I’ve had a terrific working relationship with Fiona Nash who is the Minster for Regional Communications. She has responsibility for some important projects for regional Australia such as the Mobile Black Spot Programme. But whatever is the Prime Minister’s wish in relation to portfolios, would be fine with me. I’m enjoying what I am doing but anything the Prime Minister chooses to give me, I’ll be happy with.”

Simon Canning was Mumbrella's marketing and advertising editor from 2015-2017. In a career spanning journalism and communications over more than 30 years Simon has become one of Australia’s most respected analysts and commentators on the advertising, marketing and media industries. A regular commentator on radio and TV, Simon has also worked in media in the US and UK .

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